This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Potential Difference for GCSE Physics. Revise Potential Difference in Electricity for GCSE Physics with 14 exam-style questions and 30 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 12 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
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Examined in Edexcel 1PH0/2 (Paper 2). Context-based: household appliance energy cost calculations, circuit fault-finding scenarios. Potential difference is a core concept examined in almost every GCSE Physics electricity question. It underpins Ohm's Law, power calculations, and circuit analysis.
What examiners love to ask:
- Calculate energy transferred using E = VQ
- State the voltage across parallel branches
- Explain why a voltmeter is connected in parallel
- Apply voltage rules to series circuits (sum = supply)
- Compare EMF and terminal p.d. (Higher tier)
Typical question patterns:
- "The battery has an EMF of 6 V. Calculate the energy transferred to 4 C of charge." (E = VQ = 6 × 4 = 24 J)
- "Two resistors in series. V₁ = 3 V, supply = 9 V. Find V₂." (V₂ = 9 − 3 = 6 V)
- "Explain how to connect a voltmeter to measure p.d. across a lamp." (In parallel, across the lamp)
Practice questions for Potential Difference
Which of the following is the correct definition of potential difference?
Explain what is meant by a potential difference of 6 V across a component.